• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Properties of materials). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. A sponge soaks up water. Which word describes it? (shiny / absorbent / transparent / waterproof) → absorbentPrompt: It takes in water.
2. Which of these is attracted to a magnet? (a wooden pencil / a steel paper clip / a plastic ruler / an aluminium (aluminum) drinks can) → a steel paper clipPrompt: Only a few metals are magnetic, such as iron and steel.
3. Properties of materials: which statement is true? (All metals are magnetic. / Rubber is rigid. / Glass is transparent. / Fabric is always waterproof.) → Glass is transparent.Prompt: Think about a coin, a window and a raincoat.

• Pass round objects made of different materials and ask why each one was chosen.
• Share the objective: Properties of metals and non-metals. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Is this property typical of metals or non-metals: a gas at room temperature, like oxygen?
• Step 1: Non-metals are usually dull, brittle when solid and poor conductors; many are gases.
• Step 2: So the answer is: typical of non-metals
• Answer: typical of non-metals
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. Is this property typical of metals or non-metals: dull and brittle as a solid? (typical of metals / typical of non-metals) → typical of non-metalsPrompt: Think of a copper wire compared with a lump of sulfur.
2. An element has these properties: shiny reddish-brown solid, excellent conductor, can be drawn into wires. Is it a metal or a non-metal? (metal / non-metal) → metalPrompt: Electrical conductivity is the most reliable clue.

• Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
• Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. An element has these properties: dark purple-black crystals that shatter when hit, poor conductor. Is it a metal or a non-metal? (metal / non-metal) → non-metalPrompt: Electrical conductivity is the most reliable clue.
2. Metals and non-metals: which statement is NOT true? (Copper is used in wires because it is ductile and a good conductor. / Mercury is a metal that is liquid at room temperature. / Non-metals are always gases. / Graphite is a form of carbon that conducts electricity.) → Non-metals are always gases.Prompt: Are all metals attracted to a magnet?

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-6.